The recessed cylinders do give a bit more case support though, with most cartridges, it isn't really necessary. On non-magnum, centerfire revolvers, recessed cylinders were never standard because it wasn't deemed necessary for lower-pressure cartridges like .38 and .44 Special. Also, .22 rimfire revolvers still come with recessed chambers due to the weaker case design of rimfires.
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My first pinned and recessed S&W
- Thread starter jabba21
- Start date
Mike Irwin
Staff
Back in 1935 the recessed cylinder was a sales and marketing point for S&W.
There were still a fair number of cartridges that were being loaded in balloon head cases at the time, meaning the case was far weaker than the modern solid head case we have today.
While rare, blowouts were known to happen in balloon head cases.
As it was being advertised as a FAR more powerful handgun, S&W decided that the recessed cylinder could be a strong selling point, and early advertisements touted the safety factor that the recessed cylinder provided.
In reality, the .357 Magnum was never, to the best of my knowledge, loaded with balloon head cases, but perception based on decades of experience can be a very tough thing to shake, so S&W did what it could to allay fears of case head ruptures.
There were still a fair number of cartridges that were being loaded in balloon head cases at the time, meaning the case was far weaker than the modern solid head case we have today.
While rare, blowouts were known to happen in balloon head cases.
As it was being advertised as a FAR more powerful handgun, S&W decided that the recessed cylinder could be a strong selling point, and early advertisements touted the safety factor that the recessed cylinder provided.
In reality, the .357 Magnum was never, to the best of my knowledge, loaded with balloon head cases, but perception based on decades of experience can be a very tough thing to shake, so S&W did what it could to allay fears of case head ruptures.
I have read where early .357 Magnum brass was loaded with a large pistol primer, and that in itself would weaken the case head, but not nearly to the same range as a balloon-head case would.
I'd like to have a couple pieces of large-primer .357 Mag, just to sit on the shelf over the load bench. I keep thinking I'll stumble across 'em one day.
I'd like to have a couple pieces of large-primer .357 Mag, just to sit on the shelf over the load bench. I keep thinking I'll stumble across 'em one day.
I have read where early .357 Magnum brass was loaded with a large pistol primer, and that in itself would weaken the case head, but not nearly to the same range as a balloon-head case would.
Actually, I believe that the original .357 Magnum cases used large rifle primers. Also, I have often seen it quoted that original .357 Magnum ammunition was loaded to substantially higher pressure (40k psi) than that we have today, but I've not seen any pressure tests or manufacturer data to corroborate this.